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For those of you unclear about whether iDownload.com is spyware or not I have done a bit of research and come across a technical support extension number on their main 800 number listed on their website where you can leave a message asking for them to clarify their position on iDownload being spyware or not. Perhaps you can also get your friends who may be confused about this to call in and ask.

800-844-5919
extension 400 (just enter at the prompt) for technical support on iDownload.

...and/or contact the Better Business Bureau.

Why bother contacting the BBB when you can call the iDownload 800 number listed on their website and ask them about the ramifications of their software themselves? You might want to call it a few times and ask your friends to do so as well until they are all clear over whether iDownload is considered spyware or not.

800-844-5919

Oh look ! A live chat support !

Why don't we all just go there and ask them ? >;D

iDownload Tech (Mark): iSearch is its own independant company that markets many affiliate programs. I believe they have removal instructions and an automatic removal tool on their FAQ page at isearch.com. You can also use this link: http://toolbar.isearch.com/uninstall/ I don't know any other info about their company or software.

Considering they have links to Isearch's toolbar affiliate program on their site http://affiliate.idownload.com/external.php?page=s ites&ref=
I highly doubt the verity of that.

Upon asking their live support why their product sends tracking information to other sites, I received this response:

iDownload Tech (Mark): Is this in regards to iSearch?
Me: Yes
iDownload Tech (Mark): iSearch is its own independant company that markets many affiliate programs. I believe they have removal instructions and an automatic removal tool on their FAQ page at isearch.com. You can also use this link: http://toolbar.isearch.com/uninstall/ I don't know any other info about their company or software.
[Conversation terminated by Operator.]

Well, I went onto the iDownload.com site and found a Live Support button. It allows you to enter your name and a question. So I asked the Live Support person how I could uninstall the iSearch.com toolbar. Here is the response that I got:

iDownload Tech (Mark): iSearch is its own independant company that markets many affiliate programs. I believe they have removal instructions and an automatic removal tool on their FAQ page at isearch.com. You can also use this link: http://toolbar.isearch.com/uninstall/ I don't know any other info about their company or software.

According to the page he sent, you have to use the iSearch.com uninstall program, as no thrid party programs will be able to uninstall it. I just wonder what the uninstaller installs while it is running on your machine.

Why wait?

Seriously - take a look at the garbage they're trying to foist off on people. (Wouldn't do this with IE!)

Hushware - these kinds of utilities have been feeding on peoples fears for years. Personally, I take pride in the fact I know how to use the 'Delete' key.

Interboost - Heh. Yet another 'dial-up speed booster' that does nothing of the sort. I can't beleive companies like AOL and Earthlink fall prey to this marketing scheme too.

Popupblocker - So who's pop ups are they blocking, anyway?

SecureFavorites - ? I just don't get it. Hiding my bookmark list?

SpywareAvenger - Been removing this one from machines for months.

Uninstaller - Like I need something other than Add/remove programs.

VirusHunter - Another one I've been removing for a while now. And as noted on a previous post, not listed with the ICSA.

WindowsMessengerKiller - This is easy. TURN IT OFF.

From what I can see, it's just a bunch of junk trumped up to make you think it's doing something. The sad part is, Joe User will never know the difference.

How about a link to their homepage.. we can slashdot these fools!

"get paid" and "earn $$$" or "serious cash!"

Does that sound like a company that's associated with spam or spyware?

"This firm represents iDownload.com with respect to your inaccurate classification of iDownload's software product, iSearch toolbar, by referring to it as Spyware in its description. Specifically, a recent review of materials disseminated by your company, via the Internet, revealed that your company is falsely disparaging iDownload's product."

Now i don't suggest anything as unethical as those DDOS screen-savers ,
however if everyone who were to read the message , was perhaps to visit the site then use this contract page ,perhaps we could write a few letters of protest to them(email or normal mail, i wouldn't use your regular email address though) .
While we are there we could peruse the site extensively (not using MSIE )and make good use of the services, to investigate there site and privacy policys(adblock and firefox may also be an idea) .

oh incase it does get slashdoted here is a nyud.net link to the contact page

iDownload's front page claims that they are spyware free. To put things in perpective, spyware is like farting, the first person to deny it usually did it. If you read further down their list, it says "Certified Virus Free". Have you ever seen software have to claim its virus free? And where exactly do you get this certification, and who certifies it? I want to see the certificate. Its their software dammit, of course its virus free (assuming they were a legit company), just like all commercial software from respectable companies should be.
Regards,
Steve